Modular building system

ABSTRACT

A modular building system in which structural forms are generated from a family of modules which differ from each other in geometrical form and yet are sufficiently interrelated to facilitate their coordination. Each module is a three-dimensional open-ended form defined by equi-lateral square or rhombic face panels having the same perimeter or a composite thereof. All exposed edges of the modules in the family are of the same length so that several modules which are the same or different from each other may be joined together at their exposed edges or by their matching faces to develop diversified structural forms suitable for housing, storage, display and for many other architectural purposes.

United States Patent 1 Horowitz et al.

[451 Oct. 14, 1975 MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM [22] Filed: July 27, 1973[2]] Appl. No.: 383,073

[52] US. Cl 52/79; 46/24 [51] Int. Cl A63h 33/06 [58] Field of Search52/236, 237, 79, DIG. 10,

Primary Examiner-John E. Murtagh [57] ABSTRACT A modular building systemin which structural forms are generated from a family of modules whichdiffer from each other in geometrical form and yet are sufficientlyinterrelated to facilitate their coordination. Each module is athree-dimensional open-ended form defined by equi-lateral square orrhombic face panels having the same perimeter or a composite thereof.All exposed edges of the modules in the family are of the same length sothat several modules which are the same or different from each other maybe joined together at their exposed edges or by their matching faces todevelop diversified structural forms suitable for housing, storage,display and for many other architectural purposes.

4 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures US. Patent 0011. 14, 1975 Sheet 1 0133,911,634

US Patent Oct. 14 1975 Sheet 3 of3 3,911,634

MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates generally to architectural structures, and more particularly toa family of interrelated modules of different form which lend themselvesto structural combinations to create a broad range of diversearchitectural forms. v

The term architectural structures, as used herein, is intended toencompass building forms, interior structures for buildings includingfurniture and fixtures and all multi-cellular structures defined byinter-related modules.

Interior architectural design is in large part concerned with theformation of cabinets, partitions, shelves and other structures servingfor display, storage and a variety of other purposes and also to providemounting surfaces for interior lighting systems. The form of an interiorstructure must be accommodated not only to the space in the chamber orarea it is intended to occupy, but it must also conform to thefunctional and aesthetic requirements imposed thereon by theenvironment. The architect must, therefore, take into account whetherthe interior constitutes a residential, commercial, industrial oracademic environment.

Thus, in the case of a factory requiring storage bins for manufacturedgoods, this requirement may be met by a uniform vertical array ofbox-like cells formed of wood or metal and serving a purely utilitarianfunction. But, should the environment be that of a school or home, aless symmetrical and a more aesthetic form of storage structure isgenerally more appropriate.

Hence, the present practice in creating suitable interior structures isto custom design and construct the cabinets and other structures whichare dictated by the specific architectural needs of a given environment.The drawback to the practice is that custom design and construction isslow, inefficient and costly.

Considerable economies may be effected by the use of modular componentsthat can be tailored to more or less conform to particular architecturalrequirements. Modules are known which can be joined together and stackedat different angles to define a variety of cellular structuralconfigurations. But existing forms of structural modules have limitedarchitectural possibilities. The reason for this is that modules of thetype heretofore known are usually identical in form, and while suchmodules may be coordinated in various ways to develop a range ofarchitectural patterns, the ultimate structure is still composedofidentical cells. As a consequence, the modular structure, howevercomplex, is inherently monotonous and lacking in interest. Also the factthat all cells are the same, limits the storage and display capabilitiesof the cellular system.

Modular principles have also been applied to building structures, suchas the well known Habitat" in Montreal, Canada. But here too, becausethe cells which compose the structure are essentially unvaried,limitations are imposed on the structures formed thereby, even thoughthe positions of the cells relative to each other may be varied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is the main objectof this invention to provide architectural structures derived from afamily of modules which are all distinctly different in geometric formand yet are sufficiently interrelated to facilitate their coordination.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a familyof different modules, each of which is composed of equilateral square orrhombic face panels having the same perimeter or combinations thereof,to define open-ended, three-dimensional forms whose exposed edges allhave the same length.

A significant feature of the invention is that despite differences inthe geometric form of the modules, the fact that the exposed edges ofall modules in the family have exactly the same dimension and that thefaces thereof are either square or rhombic, makes it feasible to jointogether modules at their exposed edges and to combine or stack them attheir matching faces to create diversified edifices suitable forhousing, storage, display and a range of other functions.

Also, an object of the invention is to provide a family of modules whichmake possible the rapid construction and assembly of architecturalstructures efficiently and at relatively low cost. I

Briefly stated, these objects are attained by afamily of structuralmodules each constructed from equilateral square or rhombic face panelsall having the same perimeter or a composite thereof to create anopenended geometric form. The family of modules includes at least fivedistinct forms and structures may be assembled using one or more ofthese forms in combination.

The first module is composed of a pair of horizontal square panels and apair of vertical square panels which are joined together. The secondmodule is composed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels having alikeorientation which are joined to a pair of horizontal rhombic panelshaving a like-orientation. The third module is composed of a pair ofvertical rhombic panels which are reversely-oriented with respect toeach other and are joined to a pair of horizontal rhombic panels whichare reversely-oriented with respect to each other. The fourth module iscomposed of a pair of horizontal rhombic panels having alike-orientation, joined to a pair of vertical square panels. The fifthmodule is composed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels having alike-orientation, joined to a pair of horizontal rhombic panels whichare reversely-oriented with respect to each other to define oneconvolution of a helix.

The exposed edges of all modules in the family are of the same length sothat modules may be joined together at their exposed edges or combinedby their matching faces to create a broad range of diversifiedstructural forms suitable for display, storage and many other purposes.

OUTLINE OF DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention as wellas other objects and features thereof, reference is made to thefollowing detailed description of the invention to be read inconjunction with the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of a square face panel;

FIG. 2 is a view of a rhombic face panel;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first module in a family thereof inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second module in the family;

FIG. Sis a perspective view of the third module in the family;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fourth module in the family;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fifth module in the family;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example of an interior structurecomposed of modules derived from the family thereof;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example of an interior structurecomposed of modules derived from the family thereof;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another example of an interiorstructure composed of modules derived from the family thereof;

FIG. 1 l is a perspective view of still another example of an interiorstructure composed of modules derived from the family thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2. There isshown the two basic face panels from which the family of seven modulesis derived. FIG. 1 shows a square panel 10, having equilateral sides atright angles to each other, and FIG. 2 shows an equilateral rhombicpanel 11 having oblique angles. The length of each side of theequilateral square panel is equal to the length of each side of theequilateral rhombic panel. Thus all panels have identical perimetricdimensions.

The rhombic panel shown has two opposing 60 acute angles and twoopposing 120 obtuse angles. It is to be understood, however, thatrhombic panels having other angular relationships may be used, such as apanel having two opposing 45 acute angles and two opposing 120 obtuseangles. The advantage of a 60120 panel is that the diagonal thereofwhich divides the panel into two equilateral triangles is equal inlength to the length of the sides, thereby making it possible to jointhe edge of a module to this diagonal. Rhombic panels other than 60-120panels are of particular value in creating surfaces of more gradualslope.

In accordance with the invention a family of seven basic modules ofdifferent geometric form is created by means of the equilateral squareor rhombic panels or a composite thereof to create three-dimensional,openended forms all having a rectangular cross-section.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first module, generally designated as MI, iscomposed of a vertical and a horizontal pair of square face panels 10which are joined together at right angles to each other to define anopen-ended structure having a cubic shape. The manner in which thepanels of the five modules are joined together depends on the nature ofthe panel material. In practice the joints, in the case of wood, may beof the type commonly used in woodworking. In the case of metal orplastic panels, metal or plastic bonding or welding techniques may beused, or suitable junction clips or brackets may be provided. The mannerin which the face panels are joined together forms no part of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second module, generally designated as MII, iscomposed ofa vertical and a horizontal pair of rhombic panels 11 whichare joined together at right angles to each other to define an openendedstructure in which the panels in the vertical pair thereof have alike-orientation and the panels in the horizontal pair have alike-orientation. Thus the open ends of the second module lie in a planewhich is inclined relative to the vertical axis.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown the third module MIII which iscomposed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels 11 which arereversely-oriented with respect to each other and are joined to a pairof horizontal rhombic panels 11 which are reversely-oriented withrespect to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the fourth module MIV which iscomposed of a pair of vertical square panels 10 joined to a pair ofhorizontal rhombic panels 11 having a like-orientation with respect toeach other.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the fifth module MV which iscomposed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels 11 having areverse-orientation with respect to each other, joined to a pair ofhorizontal rhombic panels 11 which are like-oriented with respect toeach other, so that in this instance the form is not continuous butassumes the shape of a single convolution of a helix. As this fifthmodule may be connected to a series of identical fifth modules to createa multiturn helical form; the number of turns being equal to the numberof modules, one can, by means of this module, create elongated ductshaving a rectangular crosssection.

The sixth module (not shown) is a variation of module MV and is also aspiral. In module MV, the horizontal rhombic panels have alike-orientation whereas in module MVI, the horizontal as well as thevertical rhombic panels have a reverse-orientation with respect to eachother. The seventh module (not shown) is a variation of module MIV. Butin module MVII, which has a screw formation, the two vertical squarepanels are joined to a pair of horizontal rhombic panels having areverse-orientation with respect to each other, rather than alike-orientation.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, l0 and 11, one may assemble the modules tocreate forms in varying degrees of complexity to provide a broad rangeof diverse structural configurations. The modules in the family may beconnected at their exposed edges, for all edges have exactly the samedimensions. The modules may be also connected in end-toend relation, inside-by-side relation and in stacked relation, for wherever adjoiningmodules have congruent rhombic or square faces they may be bonded orconnected.

While the modules are all open-ended, in some instances, the ends may beenclosed and in other cases left open to meet particular requirements.The resultant edifices may be extended by suitable modules in thevertical direction, or in the horizontal direction, and in someinstances because of the rhombic formation the structure may be skewedto afford further variations in form. Modules MV, MVI and MVII have bothleft and right-handed conditions so that any of these spiral forms maytwist either clockwise or counterclockwise.

The panels from which the modules are fabricated may be wood, plastic,fiberglass, metal or any other material appropriate to the intended use.A great variety of possible applications exist. For example, toys may bebuilt of panels whose sides are only 2 or 3 inches long. At this size,the modules may be molded intact of plastic. Larger sizes may be used tomake light-weight fixtures, furniture, containers, container racks andcompartmentalized storage areas or to develop threedimensional shellsfor boats and airplanes. A still larger size module with say a two footedge, may beused to create furniture both of the built-in and freestanding type.

Whole buildings may be created using large size modules forming thestructural and architectural elements, including ceilings, floors,walls, ducts and chases as well as window frames and other framedopenings. lnterior and exterior architecture may thus be thoroughlyintegrated. At these sizes, the modules may be manufactured ascomponents and assembled on the site, thereby reducing transportationcosts and site storage and movement problems. The same modules may becreated on the job site through the use of forms which are negatives ofthe final product.

While there has been shown preferred embodiments of the invention, itwill be appreciated that many changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the essential spirit of the invention.

We claim:

1. A structure formed by interrelated modules derived from a family offive modules which are selectively connectable in end-to-end,side-by-side and in stacked relation, each module being constructed fromfour face panels selected from a class consisting of square and rhombicpanels to create an open-ended geometric form, all sides of said squareand rhombic face panels having the same dimension whereby the exposededges of all modules have the same dimension and some modules derivedfrom said family may be joined together at their edges and other modulesat their congruent faces, said family of modules comprising:

A. a first module composed of a pair of horizontal square panels, joinedat their edges to a pair of vertical square panels to define a cubicvolume;

B. a second module composed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels havinga like-orientation joined at their edges to a pair of horizontal rhombicpanels having a like-orientation;

C. a third module composed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels whichare reversely-oriented with respect to each other and are joined attheir edges to a pair of horizontal rhombic panels, which arereversely-oriented with respect to each other;

D. a fourth module composed of a pair of horizontal rhombic panels havnga like-orientation which are joined at their edges to a pair of verticalsquare panels; and

E. a fifth module composed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels having alike-orientation whose edges are joined to a pair of horizontal rhombicpanels having a reverse-orientation to define one convolution of ahelix.

2. A structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said face panels are allformed of synthetic plastic material.

3. A structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said face panels are allformed of metal.

4. A structure as set forth in claim 1, further including end panelsattachable to the exposed edges of said face panels to enclose at leastone of the modules in the structure formed thereby.

1. A structure formed by interrelated modules derived from a family offive modules which are selectively connectable in endto-end,side-by-side and in stacked relation, each module being constructed fromfour face panels selected from a class consisting of square and rhombicpanels to create an open-ended geometric form, all sides of said squareand rhombic face panels having the same dimension whereby the exposededges of all modules have the same dimension and some modules derivedfrom said family may be joined together at their edges and other modulesat their congruent faces, said family of modules cOmprising: A. a firstmodule composed of a pair of horizontal square panels, joined at theiredges to a pair of vertical square panels to define a cubic volume; B. asecond module composed of a pair of vertical rhombic panels having alike-orientation joined at their edges to a pair of horizontal rhombicpanels having a like-orientation; C. a third module composed of a pairof vertical rhombic panels which are reversely-oriented with respect toeach other and are joined at their edges to a pair of horizontal rhombicpanels, which are reversely-oriented with respect to each other; D. afourth module composed of a pair of horizontal rhombic panels havng alike-orientation which are joined at their edges to a pair of verticalsquare panels; and E. a fifth module composed of a pair of verticalrhombic panels having a like-orientation whose edges are joined to apair of horizontal rhombic panels having a reverse-orientation to defineone convolution of a helix.
 2. A structure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said face panels are all formed of synthetic plastic material.3. A structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said face panels are allformed of metal.
 4. A structure as set forth in claim 1, furtherincluding end panels attachable to the exposed edges of said face panelsto enclose at least one of the modules in the structure formed thereby.